Patrick Morrisey on Thursday announced a planned $4 billion private investment to develop a large intelligence center campus in Berkeley County, calling it a historic economic opportunity for West Virginia.
According to Morrisey, Penzance Management plans to invest $4 billion to build a campus spanning more than 500 acres. The site is expected to deliver up to 600 megawatts of energy capacity to support data and artificial intelligence operations.
The governor said the project could help make 2026 the strongest year for economic development in state history.
The development is projected to create more than 1,000 construction jobs and at least 125 permanent positions, though pay rates for the full-time jobs have not yet been released.
Berkeley County Commission President Eddie Gochenour said local leaders are enthusiastic about the potential impact on the region, describing it as a rare and significant opportunity for both the county and the state.
Morrisey credited the state’s High Impact Intelligence Center law, passed last year, with helping attract the investment. The legislation streamlines permitting and sets a tax distribution formula intended to benefit schools, counties and taxpayers statewide.
He also emphasized that infrastructure costs tied to the project would be covered by developers, not taxpayers.
The governor said the project would address environmental and community concerns, including noise, water usage and setbacks from neighboring properties. Proposed data centers elsewhere in the state have raised concerns about air and water quality, and state leaders say those issues will be addressed early in the planning process.